Blood phosphorus measurement is used to diagnose and monitor many pathological conditions related to bones, kidneys, and arthritis.
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Most of the body's phosphorus (P, PO4, inorganic phosphate) is bound together with calcium in the bones. About 15% of the phosphorus is present in the blood, making it the major anion of the intracellular environment. It has various functions, including its role in glucose and lipid metabolism, storing and transferring energy within the body, creating bone tissue, and maintaining acid-base balance. Phosphorus is absorbed into the small intestine with the help of vitamin D. Like calcium, phosphorus is controlled by parathyroid hormone (PTH). It has an inverse relationship with calcium: an increase in the serum of one causes the kidneys to excrete the other. Parathyroid hormone increases the release of calcium and phosphorus from the bones, reduces calcium excretion, and increases the excretion of phosphorus in the urine.
An increase in serum phosphorus concentration is known as hyperphosphatemia, while a decrease in its concentration is known as hypophosphatemia. Hyperphosphatemia is associated with low calcium levels and has symptoms such as tetanus, arrhythmias, and seizures. Hypophosphatemia is associated with muscle weakness, encephalopathy, poor platelet function, decreased cardiac contractility, and paresthesias.
Phosphorus-rich foods include beans, chicken, eggs, fish, milk, and dairy products.
Possible Interpretation of Pathological Values
- Increase: Acromegaly, acute or chronic kidney disease, bone tumors or metastases, diabetic ketoacidosis, bone fracture healing, hyperthyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, lactic and respiratory acidosis, leukemia (myelogenous), magnesium deficiency, malignant hyperpyrexia after anesthesia, massive or multiple blood transfusions, metastatic bone tumors, milk-alkali syndrome (Burnett), multiple myeloma, portal cirrhosis, Paget's disease, pseudohypoparathyroidism, pulmonary embolism, sarcoidosis, sickle cell anemia, renal failure, secondary hypoparathyroidism, uremia, vitamin D toxicity. Drugs: Androgens, beta-adrenergic blockers, chemotherapy, diphosphates, ethyl alcohol (ethanol), furosemide (Lasix), growth hormone, hydrochlorothiazide, methicillin, parathyroid hormone, phenytoin, phosphate enemas, abuse of laxatives containing phosphates, steroids, tetracycline (nephrotoxicity)
- Decrease: Alcoholism, burns (diuretic phase), Crohn's disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, hemodialysis, Fanconi syndrome, gout, hypercalcemia (severe), hyperinsulinism, hyperparathyroidism, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypothermia, hypovolemia, malabsorption, malnutrition, nasogastric suction, osteomalacia, respiratory alkalosis, rickets (primary or familial hypophosphatemia), salicylate poisoning, sepsis (Gram-negative bacteria), celiac disease, vitamin D deficiency. Drugs: Albuterol, acetazolamide, amino acids, anticonvulsants, anesthetics, antacids, carbamazepine, calcitonin, corticosteroids, diuretics, epinephrine, estrogens, glucagon, glucocorticoids, glucose (intravenous), insulin, isoniazid, magnesium hydroxide, oral contraceptives, phenytoin
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
